The wisdom of heaven reminds us: Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18).Knowing this, we must try to balance two truths: I must not be prideful, but I must understand just how much God values me. It’s not easy. Satan can use our self-denigration, what I call “the worthless worm syndrome,” to discourage and demean ourselves as God’s creation. He longs to keep us from using our spiritual gifts (1 Peter 4:10-11) and living for God’s purposes (Psalm 139:13-16). The evil one wants us to forget our value to God. On the other hand, pride takes God out of the picture. We attribute any contribution we make to God’s Kingdom and our world to our own efforts, rather than to God. To be both image bearers of God (Genesis 1:26-27) and part of fallen humanity (Romans 3:21-24) is more than a theological issue; it is the daily struggle of being JESUShaped disciples who know our sinfulness but also God’s love, mercy, and grace. We maintain our proper balance of humility as flawed mortals and divine utility as beings uniquely created and recreated (2 Corinthians 5:17) by God. When we praise the One who made us his children and give thanks for being adopted into God’s family because of his grace for us in Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21), we think of ourselves properly.
Holy Father, I know that I am your child, not because of my deservedness, but because you redeemed me at the cost of Jesus’ life. I know I am loved and valuable to you. I know you have given me the gifts, abilities, and experiences that have shaped me. May I ever be your humble yet valuable child, I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
